Device for protecting a vessel



Jan. 31, 1961 c. s. LWERMORE 2,969,762

I DEVICE FOR PROTECTING A VESSEL Filed April 16, 1943 5 Sheets-Sheet 13mm/vbo@ C. S. LIVERMORE Wal/f 2 .Tv e e h S S t e e h s 5 Jan. 31, 1961c. s. I Ivr-:RMORE DEVICE Foa PROTECTING A VESSEL Filed April 1e, 194s II I .I .NII .III II -II .I U wII IIC. m .IIII II IIII I `I\m III I II II I N IIINIIIIIIII IIIIIIIIIwN IIIIIIIIImINIIIIIIIIIIII II IIIIIIIEEEEQUQ C. S, LIVERMORE Jan. 31, `1961 c. s. LIVERMORE nEvIcE FORPROTECTING A vEssEL 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed April 16, 1943 FIRING DEVICEC. S. LIVERMORE Jan. 31, 1961 c. s. LIVERMORE DEVICE EoR PROTECTING AvEssEL 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed April 16, 1943 C. S. LIVERMORE `an.' 3i,1961 c. s. LIVERMORE 2,969,762

DEVICE FOR PROTECTING A VESSEL Filed April 16, 1943 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 C.S. LIVERMORE United States Patent() DEVICE FOR PROTECTING A VESSELClifford S. Livermore, United States Navy, Washington, D.C.

. Filed Apr. 16, 1943, Ser. N0. 483,257

7 Claims. (Cl. 114-240) (Granted under Title 3S, U.S..Code (1952), sec.266) This invention relates to'a newV and improved device for protectinga vessel against attacks by torpedoes and more particularly to devicescomprising a plurality of explosive bombs arranged in spaced relationwithin the Water about the vessel at a predetermined distance therefromand adapted to be exploded selectively by signals received through thewater from the approaching torpedo. Y In devicesV of this general typeheretoforel proposed it has been the general practice to interpose abarrier between the oncoming torpedo and the-vessel in which the torpedovis either destroyed or deflected from its course by moving into contactwith the barrier. In certain other devices heretofore proposed thestructure of the vessel includes a quantity of trapped air adjacentthereto adapted to reduce the force and effect of the explosion of thetorpedo, one of the forms of devices of this type comprising an outercasing or blister secured to the hull of the vessel or formed integrallytherewith below the Water line within which the air is trapped.

These devices have not proved entirely satisfactory vas a protectionagainst the ravage of a modern torpedo for the reason that the rate oftravel of the torpedo through the water and the destructiveness thereofhave been greatly increased. Furthermore, these devices are cumbersome,expensive to install on a Vessel and in certain cases require extensivechanges in the hull of Vthe y vessel.

Vadapted to receive a signal from the oncoming'torpedo and thereby causea firing circuit to be closedand ex- -plode oneor more of the aforesaidbombs within the Vpath of travel of the torpedo adjacent thereto as thetorpedo moves into proximate spaced relation with the bomb. Theexplosion of the bomb causes the torpedo to be destroyed at a safedistancefrom the vessel or deflected from its course sufficiently tomiss vthe target.

One of the objects of the present invention is the provision of aplurality of explosive charges arranged about a vessel adapted todestroy a torpedo while the torpedo is at a safe distance from thevessel in response to a signal received through the water from thetorpedo.

Another of the objects is the provision of a plu-v rality of torpedodetecting devices arranged about `a vessel and secured thereto adaptedto fire an explosive charge sufficiently near an oncoming torpedo todestroy the same.

Still another object is the provision of a plurality of groups ofexplosive charges arranged within the water yabout a vessel in spacedrelation at a predetermined distance therefrom in which a selected groupof the 'ex- 2,969,762 Patented Jan. 31, 1961 plosive charges is fired bya signal received through the water from the torpedo.

A still further object is the provision of a plurality of groups ofexplosive charges arranged in spaced relation within the water about avessel at a predetermined distance therefrom in which the explosivecharges of a selected group are fired in succession in response toasignal received through the water from an approaching torpedo.

Still other objects land advantages will be apparent from the followingdescription taken in connection with the accompanying drawings of which:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a vessel employing the device of the presentinvention in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof;

Fig. 2 is a view in elevation taken along the line 2--2 of Fig. l;

Fig. 3 shows an alternative arrangement of explosive charges suitablefor protecting the vessel of Fig. l;

Fig. 4 shows diagrammatically a circuit arrangement suitable for usewith the system of Fig. l;

Fig 5 shows in diagrammatic form an arrangement of parts and circuitstherefor suitable for use with the arrangement of Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of the timing device of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a circuit diagram showing a group arrangement of explosivecharges suitable for use with the arrangement of Fig. l or 3;

Fig. 8 shows an alternative form of torpedo detecting means suitable foruse with the arrangement of Fig. 2; and

Fig. 9 is a circuit diagram illustrating diagrammatically a firingsystem suitable for use with the system of Fig. 8.

Referring now to the drawings for a more complete understanding of theinvention and more particularly to Figs. 1 and 2 thereof there is shownthereon a vessel indicated generally by the numeral 10 having aplurality of booms 11 pivotally secured thereto as at 12 and adapted tobe raised and lowered at will by the cables or lines 13 secured theretoand passing over the pulleys 14 and adapted to be controlledby Winches15. An arrangement is thus provided in which by operating the winchesthe booms may be raised to a substantially vertical position and loweredat will to the position shown on the drawings under control of theaforesaid Winches. Whereas in the illustrative embodiment of theinvention each of the pulleys is provided with a winch individualthereto it will, of course, be understood that a multiple arrangementmay be employed, if desired, whereby several of the booms may be raisedand lowered at will, by

j a single operation.

Each of the booms is provided with a pulley or sheave 16 rotatablysecured thereto and adapted to payout a length of cable 17 therefromhaving a microphone 18 connected to the cable conductors. There is alsopreferably connected to the microphone 18 in any lsuitable manner as bythe member 19 a weight 21 thereby to insure that the cable 17 will beproperly paid out pastv the pulley l16 as the microphone and weight yarelowered into the water. The cable 17 extends from the pulley 16 to thevessel in any suitable manner as by passing within the aforesaid boom orwithin a suitable guide' secured thereto from whence the cable iscontinued past the pulleys 22 and 23 secured to the boom and to thevessel'respectively and thence to an amplifier 24 arranged on thevessel. f

There isv also secured to each of the booms l1 a pulle 25l having acable 26 passing thereover to which is connected an explosive bomb orcharge 27 adapted to lbe 1owered"within the water at a depth preferablysomewhat lessl than the draft of thevessel. The cable 26 is '3connected'at the opposite end thereof to a mine firing circuitcomprising a source of electrical power and adapted .to' be closed `by afiring relayor similar device inresponse to a signal received by theamplifier, 4,"'th e connection between the amplifier'and the'iringcircuit closing mechanism preferably including4 a` filter' 'deviceadapted to pass a signal within a predetermined frequency bandcharacteristic of a torpedo being driven through'the Awater by itspropelling mechanism. Within each of the bombs 27 is arranged anelectro-responsive detonating device adapted to be fired in responsetothe closureoffthe aforesaid firing circuit, `as is well known inthe'a'rt to whichthe present invention pertains., w 4 M On Fig. 3 isshown an `alternative arrangement of bombs or explosive charges 28,29and 31 arranged on the `boom 32 pivotally secured to the vessel 10asat 33 and adapted to be raised andA lowered by the cable 34 securedthereto. The bombs 28, 29 and 31 are respectively connected to andpreferably supported by the cables'35, 36 and 37 passing over thepulleys 38 rotatably secured to the boom. The microphone or'hydrophone39 is connected to and supported by a'cable 41V passingover the pulley42 rotatably secured at the end of the boom 32, a weight 43 beingpreferably connected to the microphone as by the member 44 to facilitatethe paying out of the cable 41 past the pulley 42 and tomaintain themicrophone at a predetermined depth of submersion within the waterwithout substantial movement thereof. A

The connection between the microphone and the 'explosive charges`28, 29and 31 is illustrated diagrammatically on Fig. on which the microphoneis shown con- 4nected to the amplifier 24 by the cable'41, the output'of the amplier being connected to the filter F from whence fthe circuitis continued to the timing device T. The operation of the timing deviceT causes the firing circuit to be closed over the cables 35, 36 and 37thereby to fire in quick succession the bombs 28, 29 and 31'respectively connected thereto.

The manner in which this is accomplished will be more clearly apparentby consideration of Fig.- 6 on which is shown in diagrammatic formatiming device T suitable for use with the `system of the presentinvention, the mechanism comprising, among other elements, a controlrelay C adaptedto be operated by a signal received from thelter F.VThere is also included within Vthe timing mechanism a distributor Dhaving a rotatable brush 45 'adapted to engage the contacts 46, 47 and48 in rapid succession as :the brush rotates and thereby establish acircuit from a source of potential at the feeder ring FR by way of thecables 35, 36 and 37 to the bombs 28, 29 and 31 whereby the bombs arered in predetermined sequential order as the brush 45 traversesthe'contacts `46, 47 and 48 of the distributor D. The brush 45 issecured to a rotatable shaft 49 operatively connected preferably by afriction clutch 51 and gear box 52 to a motor M. Relay C, it will benoted, is provided withv an armature 53 adapted to engage a contact 54and apply potential to the motor M as the relay operates in response :toa signal received from `the filter F. The operation of A relay C at thearmature 55 thereof also applies `battery by way of conductor 56 to thedistributor start magnet SM and causes the start magnet to be Venergizedand attract the latch 57 thereby releasing the brush 45 and setting thedistributor in operation to tire the explosive charges -,Within thebombs 28, 29 and 31. Relay C is preferably adapted tomove the armature53 thereof into engagement vwith the make contact54 slightly in advanceof the en- `gagement of armature 55 thereof with the associated makecontact whereby the motor M is brought up to speed before the startmagnet SM is operated.

` An arrangement is thus provided in which the brush 45, whenreleased bythe start magnet SM,'invariably operates 4at a predetermined speed ofrotation andthe intervall of time between the `reception oftheu'nderiwater 4signal by the associated microphone 43 and the explosionof 4 the bombs 28, 29 and 31 is fixed suchthat the bombs are exploded inpredetermined `time spaced relation during the movement of the torpedoadjacent thereto.

On Fig. 7 is shown in diagrammatic form a plurality of microphones M andbombs B adapted to be suspended from a plurality of boomsA generally inthe manner of Fig. l, in which the same'subscripts are employed todesignate the microphone and bomb suspended from the same boom and inwhich the bombsy comprising a`s`el`ected group are adapted to beexploded substantially simultaneously in response to` a signal receivedfrom one Vor `more of the microphones. For the purpose of descriptionsix bombs, B, B1, B2, B3, B4 and B5 'are' Vshown operatively connectedin groups to the microphones M1 to M5 although it will, of course, beunderstood that lthe arrangement disclosed may be extended to include asmany microphones and bombs as may be desired. Respectively associatedwith each of the microphones is an amplifier 24 having a iilterFconnected to the output thereof adapted to pass a signal having afrequency characteristic of the Vsignal produced within the water by an`oncoming torpedo.

The output of each of the filters is connected respectively to aplurality of firing relays FRI to FRS, each` of the tiring relays beingprovided with means such, for example,

as a copper slug or sleeve arranged about the core there- `of to renderthe relay slow operating andthereby provide tsuicient time Yfor thetorpedo to' travel within the destructive range of the bombs 'controlledthereby before the bombs are tired by the firingrelay.

'Let itbe assumed, by way of example, thatrthe microphone M1 is arrangedat a particular portion of thevessel `10 such, for' example, as the bow.The operation of relay FRI in response to a firing signal received fromthe lmicrophone M1 closes a firing circuit from the armatures 58 thereoftothe bombs B, B1 and B2, the bomb B1 being supported by the boomassociatedwith the microphone M1 andthe bombs B and B2 being `supportedby booms respectively disposed on opposite sides of the boom supportingthe bomb B1 andmicrophone M1.

In like manner the operation of relay FR2 causes the bombs B1, B2 and B3to be simultaneously exploded as 'the relay contacts are closed inresponse to a signal received from the microphone M2, relay FR3 isadapted `to explode bombs B2, B3 and B4, relay FR4 to explode bombs B3,B4, B5 and relay FRS to explode bombs B4,

B5 and B6 (not shown), sufficient additional explosive devices andcontrol means vtherefor beingprovi'ded'to extend the zone of protectioncompletely about thevessel.

Whereas on Fig. 7 is shown an 'arrangement in which each of the firingrelays is adapted to explodevthebombs supported by booms on oppositesides of the bomb associated with the microphone controlling the firingrelay,

it will be understoodthat this has been done for the lpurpose ofdescription and that'various other combinations and arrangements may beelected within thesco'pe'of the invention such,` for example, as thearrangement'of Fig. 3 in which more than one bomb is disposed on eachboom. By arranging the bombs in groups in the manner disclosed herein,the ring power and effective destructive area ofthe explosion islincreased with acorresponding decrease in the possibility that a torpedomay approach `the vessel from such an angle as to escapeprematureldetained'in predetermined 'space relationship with respect toeach other within the water by themember 61 to `:which l l l 1 thesurrounding sea water. The electrodes 59 are respectively connected toand supported by a pair of cables or conductors 62 passing over a pairof pulleys 63 rotatably secured to the boom 64 whereby the electrodesare arranged within the water in such a manner as to cause a potentialto be set up across the conductors 62 by the electric field of thetorpedo when the torpedo has approached within a predetermined distanceof the electrodes.

When this occurs, the amplifier 65, Fig. 9, is caused to send an outputsignal suicient to operate the slow operating ring relay 66 in timedelayed relation with respect to the closure of the operating circuitthereto. As armature 67 of relay 66 moves intoengagement with its makecontact a circuit is closed from the positive terminal of battery BA byWay of conductor 68, armature 67 and make contact of relay 66, conductor69 within cable 71 and thence to the detonator within the bomb 72 fromwhence the circuit is continued by way of conductor 73 within the cable71 to the negative terminal of battery BA thereby causing the detonatorto operate and tire the bomb 72 adjacent the torpedo.

Whereas in the foregoing description the bombs have been suspendeddirectly from a plurality of booms extending outwardly from the vessel,it will, of course, be understood that, if desired, the bombs may bearranged from a chain or cable extending from each boom to the adjacentbooms and, furthermore, the bombs and detecting elements may, ifdesired, be combined into a unitary structure. Each of the microphonesemployed with the present invention is arranged to have a eld ofdetection suflicieintly large to overlap the field of detection of theadjacent microphones and thus, in the event thata torpedo should passsubstantially midway between two adjacent microphones the signalgenerated by the torpedo would be effective to operate both microphonesto explode the bombs controlled thereby. Furthermore, if desired, thepair of electrodes 59 may be connected to one arm of a Wheatstone bridgehaving the tiring relay included within the galvanometer circuit thereofand adapted to be operated when the resistance of the leg of the bridgeis varied by the presence of a torpedo within the vicinity of theelectrodes.

While the invention has been described with reference to severalexamples thereof which give satisfactory results, it will be understoodby those skilled in the art, after understanding the invention, thatvarious changes and modifications may be made without departing from thespiritand scope of the invention and it is my intention, therefore, inthe appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications.

The invention herein described and claimed may be manufactured and usedby and for the Government of the United States of America forgovernmental purposes without payment of any royalties thereon ortherefor.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent ofthe United States is:

l. A vessel protector comprising a plurality of elongated mounting meansadapted for attachment to the exterior of the vessel and projectinglaterally therefrom, a plurality of explosive bombs arranged within thewater at a distance from the vessel and respectively supported by saidmounting means, a plurality of signal detecting devices arranged withinthe water and supported by each of said mounting means at the free endthereof, a plurality of means for amplifying the signals received bysaid signal detecting devices, a plurality of firing relays respectivelycontrolled by said signal amplifiers each adapted to close a pluralityof contacts as the relay operates, and a plurality of firing circuitsadapted to be closed by said contacts and explode a selected group ofsaid explosive bombs.

2. In a device of the character disclosed for protecting a vesselagainst attack by a marine torpedo, the combination of a plurality ofsignal detecting devices arranged about the vessel within the water, aplurality of explosive charges arranged within the water intermediatesaid detecting devices and the vessel, a plurality of signal amplifyingdevices associated with each of said detecting devices respectively andcontrolled thereby, each of said amplifying devices having a filtermechanism connected thereto adapted to pass a signal of predeterminedcharacter corresponding to a signal received from the oncoming torpedoby said detecting devices, and means i-ncluding a plurality of firingrelays respectively connected to said signal amplifying devices :fortiring said explosive bombs in groups selectively in accordance withsignals received by said detecting devices.

3. I-n a torpedo guard for a vessel, the combination of a plurality ofexplosive charges arranged in serial order within the water about thevessel, a plurality of microphonic detecting devices arranged about thevessel beyond said explosive charges theerby to establish a continuouszone of detection about the vessel, means for firing said explosivecharges, and means controlled by signals received from said detectingdevices as the torpedo moves into said zone of detection for operatingsaid firing means in suficient time delayed rel-ation with respect tothe signal received by the detecting devices to cause at least oneexplosive charge to be fired adjacent said torpedo.

4. In a system of the character disclosed for protecting a vessel fromattack by a marine torpedo, the combination of a plurality ofmicrophonic detecting devices arranged about the vessel Within the Waterin spaced relation such that a portion of the eld of detection of atleast one of the detecting devices overlaps the Zone of detection of theadjacent detecting devices, a plurality of explosive charges arrangedabout the vessel intermediate said detecting devices and the vessel,means for tiring a predetermined number of explosive chargessubstantially within the path of travel of the oncoming torpedo inresponse to a signal received by one of said detecting devices as thetorpedo moves within the detecting zone thereof, and means for firing asubstantially greater number of explosive charges adjacent the path ofthe torpedo when the torpedo has moved within an overlapping portion ofsaid zone of detection.

5. In means for destroying a marine torpedo as it approaches a vessel,the combination with the vessel of a series of outwardly projectingbooms, a plurality of signal detecting devices arranged within the waterand supported by the booms at the free end portions thereof, a pluralityof explosive bombs arranged within the water supported by said booms,and means controlled by said detecting devices for firing in successiona predetermined group of said bombs selectively in response to a signalreceived through the water by said detecting devices from said torpedo.

6. In a device for destroying a marine torpedo as it approaches avessel, the combination with the vessel of a series of outwardlyprojecting booms, a plurality of signal detecting devices arrangedwithin the water and supported by the booms at the free end portionsthereof, a plurality of explosive bombs arranged within the water andsupported by said booms, a plurality of signal amplifiers respectivelyconnected to said signal detecting devices, a plurality of timingdevices operatively connected to each of said signal amplifiersrespectively and adapted to be controlled thereby, each of said timingdevices having means to close a plurality of electrical circuits inpredetermined order in quick succession as the device operates, andmeans for causing the bombs of a selected group to be fired insuccession as said circuits are closed.

7. In a device for destroying a marine torpedo as it approaches avessel, in combination with the vessel, a series of outwardly projectingbooms, a plurality of signal detecting devices arranged within the waterand supported by the booms, a plurality of explosive bombs arranged ingroups within the water and supported by said booms intermediate thedetectingdevices and the vessel, f

f a-'pluralityenA normally inactive timing devices operative- 1yconnected to'each of said detecting v,devices respective-r 1y, each ofsaid timing devices having a rotatable memy bery adaptedto rclose aplurality of contacts in quick successionfas the device operates, meansyresponsive to,

' for firing ythefbombs ofa `selected group adjacent the ymoving torpedoin quick successiony as said plurality of contacts are,` closed by saidrotatable member.

\ IReferences;Cited finfthexleof this `patent UNITED STATES PATENTS LeonAug. 15, 1916 Heap et al. f ff.. July22, 1919 Nazzareno July 6,1920yFOREIGN PATENTS Great Britain .f. ..f.. rMay 7,r 1917

